‘White Lotus’ DP Explains the Difference Between Shooting Film & TV

Xavier Grobet is a cinematographer for movies and television shows. He is known for his work on films such as Focus and Nacho Libre and tv shows like The Watchmen and WeCrashed. Xavier is also the cinematographer for the Emmy-award-winning show, The White Lotus, which is available for streaming on HBO Max.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and cinematographer Xavier Grobet discuss:

• Growing up surrounded by photography 
• Different opportunities Xavier had when attending film school in Mexico City
• Starting his film career as a camera assistant
• Meeting director-producer Mike White on the set of Nacho Libre
• All the elements that make a fun and great working environment
• Creative differences between film and tv shows
• Controlling the look of the show
• How the gaffer and board operator hacked into the hotel server where they shot White Lotus
• How to pull off cross-shooting 
• Sharing inspiring stories of others in the film industry who never gave up

Memorable Quotes

• “I do love documentaries. I wish I had done more in my career.” [7:24]
• “It’s been an evolution from film language to tv language.” [16:53]
• “Usually I like having a LUT created from the beginning and just stick to it.” [25:11]
• “The best thing to do is to be as close as possible to your liking from the get-go.” [25:50]
• “Find your own and just pursue every possible opportunity that you have.” [41:43]

Resources:

How to make money as a cinematographer

Listen to our interview with ‘Mami Wata’ Director and DP

The White Lotus season 2 trailer

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